Troublesome zebra mussels found in Wellington lake

Wellington  Wildlife officials say troublesome zebra mussels have been found in a lake in south-central Kansas.

The Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism said Wednesday that well-established populations of invasive zebra mussels have been found in multiple locations around the 675-acre Wellington Lake in Sumner County.

The department says there's no way to completely rid a lake of zebra mussels, which are usually introduced into lakes after attaching themselves to boats or from bait buckets.

Zebra mussels can produce huge populations in a short time. Their vast populations can clog intake pipes and prevent water treatment and electrical generating plants from drawing water.

The department says that in 2012, Council Grove and Osage City experienced temporary water shortages from zebra mussel infestations.